Dr. Randi Brown, ND

Dr. Randi Brown, ND Naturopathic Doctor in British Columbia.

Passionate about providing evidence-based, naturally focused, integrative care with a focus on digestive and hormonal health.

Top 5 Takeaways from the Canadian Menopause Society Conference 2025This year’s conference was packed with cutting-edge r...
09/23/2025

Top 5 Takeaways from the Canadian Menopause Society Conference 2025

This year’s conference was packed with cutting-edge research and clinical pearls on women’s health in midlife.

The future of midlife and menopause care is brighter than ever, thanks to research, clinicians, and most importantly, women demanding better.

Never have I ever seen so much nutrition misinformation as there is about soy—it’s extremely pervasive. Many believe soy...
11/19/2024

Never have I ever seen so much nutrition misinformation as there is about soy—it’s extremely pervasive.

Many believe soy is “estrogenic” and harmful, but that’s a huge oversimplification and, frankly, inaccurate. Here’s what you should know:

Hormone Disruption? Not a chance. These natural SERMS may help modulate our endocrine health to provide cancer risk reduction, CVD health, and support PMS, fertility, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

Cancer Risk? Nope. Soy doesn’t cause cancer; it might even reduce breast and prostate cancer risks.

Heart Health Hero: Soy protein helps lower cholesterol and supports heart health. Replacing red meats with plant based proteins like soy may be one of the most impactful changes you can make on your CVD risk.

Bone Benefits: Isoflavones in soy may improve bone density, especially for postmenopausal women.

Thyroid & Hormones: Soy doesn’t disrupt hormones or fertility in men or women, and it’s generally safe for thyroid function when iodine intake is adequate.

Menopause Relief: Isoflavones can reduce hot flashes naturally, especially when soy is consumed consistently.

So, if you love tofu, tempeh, or edamame, go ahead! Soy is a nutrient-packed, heart-healthy choice that deserves a spot on your plate.

If you’re shocked by this information, you’re not alone. Unfortunately nutrition misinformation is pervasive on social media.

Following trusted sources is one way to combat the misinformation 👊🏼

🌸 Navigating perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming, but finding the right support makes all the difference. ...
11/08/2024

🌸 Navigating perimenopause and menopause can feel overwhelming, but finding the right support makes all the difference.

A Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) brings in-depth knowledge and training to help you manage the changes and symptoms during this stage of life.

What does this mean for you?
✨ Comprehensive care for your physical, emotional, and hormonal health.
✨ Personalized treatment plans to fit your unique needs.
✨ Care rooted in the latest research and best practices.
✨ Confidence in a trusted provider who understands your journey.

Take charge of your health with a provider committed to supporting you through midlife and beyond. 💪🌿

🚨The stigma against weight management medications highlights the stigmas we still hold in society towards weight and obe...
11/05/2024

🚨The stigma against weight management medications highlights the stigmas we still hold in society towards weight and obesity.

The reasons for this are complicated, and beyond what can fit into a single post… but here goes!

If nothing else, I hope this opens a conversation or a thought about where your personal biases stand when it comes to obesity and medications that can help assist people with weight management.

Where we came from:
🧠 Old myths about ‘willpower’ still linger.
⏳ Past drugs had safety issues, leaving a shadow.
📰 Media loves to highlight risks more than benefits.
💭 Society’s judgment about weight is loud and visible.

Where we need to go:
💕Recognition that weight and obesity are complicated and multifactorial
💡Understand that weight management medications are about much more than weight loss, but rather health promotion and disease prevention
🌼Accepting where our bias stands with using medications as a means of health promotion
🎗️Understanding that these concersations and discussions are complicated, and you might be receiving a biased or simplistic viewpoint.

Managing weight is just as valid as treating or preventing any other disease. We wouldnt tell someone to stop wearing a seatbelt and to just instead “drive better/safer” instead.

Let’s break the stigma and support every step toward health. 🌱💪

Are your hormones taking you on a rollercoaster ride each month? Hormonal changes can play a major role in mood shifts, ...
10/31/2024

Are your hormones taking you on a rollercoaster ride each month?

Hormonal changes can play a major role in mood shifts, and there’s a big difference between PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Understanding the cause can help us find relief! 💫

PMS typically includes physical and emotional symptoms like bloating, mild irritability, and fatigue.

But with PMDD, emotional symptoms are much more intense, with severe mood swings, anxiety, and depression that disrupt daily life.

Why does this happen? 🌸 Hormones effect our brain chemicals. Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, impacting our brain’s neurotransmitters, especially serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical.

Its not about “hormone imbalance” so much as its about an abnormal or hypersensitive response to the normal hormonal fluctuations in the brain and body.

For some women, these shifts can lead to irritability, sadness, or anxiety, while others may experience intense symptoms due to an increased sensitivity to hormonal changes.

The good news? 🌱 Lifestyle changes, nutrition, and certain treatments can help level out these shifts. Consider talking to a healthcare provider to find what’s best for you.

💖 understanding our bodies and hormones is a form of self-care. Follow along for tips on navigating these cycles.

I hear you. Midlife comes with its sh*t. And I’m here for it! BUT… it’s not always due to hormone changes that may or ma...
10/28/2024

I hear you. Midlife comes with its sh*t. And I’m here for it! BUT… it’s not always due to hormone changes that may or may not be happening for you in this reproductive phase of life.

The perimenopause hormone shifts don’t happen in a vacuum—they show up alongside all the midlife changes we’re already navigating: evolving health, new stressors, lifestyle shifts, and other health risks.

Let’s get to the heart of it and find where your support is most important in midlife. Hormone therapy, lifestyle tweaks, or maybe even both!

If you’re feeling “off,” tired, or moody, let’s get you a plan that fits the full picture of you. 💪

Are You Getting Enough Calcium?💡 Calcium plays a key role in women’s health, but are you missing out on its benefits due...
10/22/2024

Are You Getting Enough Calcium?

💡 Calcium plays a key role in women’s health, but are you missing out on its benefits due to outdated advice? 🤔

🔍 It’s time to do a calcium calculator or diet audit!

🦴 Calcium and PMS/PMDD Relief
Did you know that calcium can help manage PMS and PMDD? Studies show women with higher calcium intake experience fewer mood swings, less irritability, and reduced cramping and bloating. 🌸 Calcium impacts neurotransmitters that regulate mood and helps muscles relax, easing discomfort.

💪 Bone Health Hero
Especially post-menopause, calcium is essential for preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of fractures. Aim for 1000 mg daily from dairy, leafy greens, or supplements!

⚠️ Reduce Fall Risk
Low calcium intake can increase your risk of falls, especially after menopause. Boost your calcium to stay strong and steady! 💪

Are you getting enough calcium? Let’s take action for better health! 💪✨

From the deserts of the Sahara 🌵to the Oasis of the seas 💦..Thriving Postmenopausal Vaginal health relies on ESTROGEN.St...
10/11/2024

From the deserts of the Sahara 🌵to the Oasis of the seas 💦..
Thriving Postmenopausal Vaginal health relies on ESTROGEN.

Struggling with vaginal dryness, discomfort during intimacy, frequent UTIs, or constant trips to the bathroom? You’re not alone, and there’s hope! 💪

When estrogen levels dip during menopause, it can lead to thinning and drying of vaginal tissue, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. These changes can increase your risk for UTIs, urinary frequency, and even discomfort during s*x.

But here’s the GOOD NEWS: Low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy can turn things around! 🙌 This treatment helps:
✅ Restore blood flow
✅ Improve natural lubrication
✅ Reduce UTIs
✅ Boost elasticity & comfort

Whether it’s creams, rings, or suppositories, you can choose the option that suits your lifestyle. Most women feel improvement in just a few weeks, with even better results by 2-3 months!

Talk to your healthcare provider and say goodbye to discomfort. It’s time to feel empowered and take charge of your vulvovaginal health! 💖

Understanding Menopause Symptoms Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but it can bring about various changes....
07/19/2024

Understanding Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but it can bring about various changes. Knowing what to expect can help you navigate this journey with confidence. Here are some common symptoms:
0. Hot Flashes 🔥
0. Night Sweats 😓
0. Sleep Disturbances 💤
0. Mood Swings 😢😊
0. Weight Gain ⚖️
0. Thinning Hair 💇‍♀️
0. Dry Skin 🌵
0. Decreased Libido ❤️

The menopause transition is a gradual process where women go through perimenopause before reaching postmenopause.

The average age of menopause in the UK and Canada is about 51, but it can vary widely.

Most women (8 out of 10) experience some symptoms, typically lasting about 4 years after the last period, but continuing for up to 12 years in 10% of women.

Every woman experiences menopause differently. Remember, you’re not alone, and support is available.

🌸 Embracing Menopause with Care and Support🌸The time is well overdue to talk about menopause! This natural transition is...
06/25/2024

🌸 Embracing Menopause with Care and Support🌸

The time is well overdue to talk about menopause!

This natural transition is more than just “the end of periods”, it’s more than taking hormone therapy, or not. It’s a complex journey that deserves comprehensive care and attention.

🧠 Mental & Cognitive Health: Hormonal changes can affect our mood and memory. Prioritize mental well-being and seek support when needed.

🏋️‍♀️ Bone & Muscle Protection: Strength training and proper nutrition are key to keeping our bones and muscles strong.

⚖️ Weight Management: Aging alongside the menopause transition pose challenges when it comes to our weight, but with the right guidance, we can maintain a healthy weight and feel our best.

❤️ Cardiometabolic Health: Menopause can impact heart health. Regular check-ups and a heart-friendly lifestyle are essential.

💜Sexual and Vaginal Health: Estrogen levels are important for maintaining s*xual function, libido and vaginal moisture. Knowing the expected changes and support options are key to your vulvovaginal and s*xual health.

🌺Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life, and it’s time we address it with the care and respect it deserves.

Click the link in bio if your curious what aspects of your menopause or perimenopause care needs more support.

What is the “window of opportunity” for menopausal hormone therapy? 🪟🚨Full disclosure: this graph is more for a visual c...
06/17/2024

What is the “window of opportunity” for menopausal hormone therapy? 🪟

🚨Full disclosure: this graph is more for a visual concept than it is 100% accurate, however, I find it helpful to contextualize the timing hypothesis of hormone therapy.

The “window” or timing hypothesis for STARTING hormone therapy states that the INITIATION of hormone therapy is SAFEST, and probably most APPLICABLE for younger (under the age of 60), healthy women (no existing cardiovascular disease or cognitive decline), who are experiencing menopausal symptoms (within 10 years of their last menstrual period).

→This should make sense. Women closest to menopause (mid 40’s to 50’s) have the most frequent and severe menopausal symptoms that we know estrogen therapy is highly effective at supporting (such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and low libido).

As women continue to age, and progress into LATE POSTMENOPAUSE (8+ years after their last menstrual period), their symptoms are LESS likely due to menopause, but rather the process of natural aging.

Additionally, we see the benefit vs. risks of hormone therapy shift after the age or 60 where INITIATION of hormone therapy may become more risky in terms of cardiovascular disease and dementia risk, whereas EARLY initiation of hormone therapy appears to be PROTECTIVE.

⭐️Takeaway: Early INITIATION of hormone therapy is probably most helpful for women early in their menopausal transition, and appears to be safest (probably PROTECTIVE for cardiovascular, brain and bone health), as compared to a late start of hormone therapy (beyond age 60, or 10+ years post menopause).

⚠️IMPORTANT: Initiation timing (starting hormones) is NOT the same as when to STOP hormones. This is not saying women should STOP their existing hormones by age 60, it just means we should have STARTED their hormone therapy by then.

It is more important than ever to have an individualized informed consent discussion with a menopause practitioner about your health in menopause.

💡Curious if hormone therapy is right for you? DM me more info, or book via link in bio .randibrownnd

Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) are conditions where the communication between your brain and gut is disrupted...
06/14/2024

Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) are conditions where the communication between your brain and gut is disrupted 💩❌🧠

These include things like IBS, chronic constipation, diarrhea, functional bloating & distention, dyspepsia and functional heartburn.

They can cause a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and a feeling of fullness or discomfort after eating.

Most patients won’t talk to their physician about their symptoms, even though they may be greatly effecting their overall quality of life.

Don’t let the fear of being misunderstood or disregarded stop you from getting support.

There are GI focused practitioners out there that can help (myself included 🙋🏻‍♀️).


Rodrigues DM, Poitras P, Day AG, Sperber AD, Palsson O, Bangdiwala SI, Vanner SJ. The epidemiology and impact of disorders of gut-brain interaction in Canada: Results from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiologic Study. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2023 Jun;35(6):e14585. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14585. Epub 2023 Mar 29. PMID: 36989173.

Address

2958 Jutland Road
Victoria, BC
V8T5K2

Opening Hours

Monday 2am - 8pm
Wednesday 2am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 2pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr. Randi Brown, ND posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

About Me & My Practice

🍃I am a licensed naturopathic physician in British Columbia, I graduated from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver, BC. Prior to my naturopathic medicinal training, I received my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, where I also volunteered in my last year of study as a student athletic therapist. My experience working both on and off the field with various varsity athletes including the women's rugby and men's ice hockey teams ignited my passion for nutrition, science, research, and medicine.

💪Being a competitive female hockey player from a young age I understood the important roles of physical activity and nutrition on overall health and well-being, and this, along with a passion for science and academia eventually evolved into a career in natural medicine.

👩🏻‍⚕️I’m passionate about providing evidence-informed medicine while maintaining a patient-centered focus. My ultimate goal is for my patients to feel educated and empowered when they leave my office so that they can feel confident about the care they choose to receive.

✨​My naturopathic treatment foundations include restoring digestive function, balancing hormonal and other endocrine dysfunctions, and optimizing lifestyle factors to enhance your brain and body health.